Purchasing Buyer I

City of Pontiac • Pontiac, MI

6h

About The Position

The Buyer I performs professional purchasing work to ensure materials, supplies, equipment, and services are obtained at the most favorable terms for the City.  This role supports departments with procurement needs, qualifies vendors, evaluates bids and proposals, negotiates pricing and terms, and ensures compliance with City purchasing policies and applicable laws.  The Buyer I also tracks purchases, monitors vendor quality and performance, and maintains accurate and current vendor information within the City’s procurement systems.  Work is performed under the direction of the Purchasing Manager and requires sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong ethical standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a closely related field preferred; or equivalent education and experience as determined by the City.
• One (1) to three (3) years of purchasing, procurement, or supply chain experience within municipal or public-sector experience preferred.
• Knowledge of public sector purchasing regulations, competitive bidding, and ethical procurement practices.
• Ability to qualify vendors, evaluate bids, and negotiate pricing and terms.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating proposals, life‑cycle costs, and vendor performance.
• Ability to track purchases, maintain vendor records, and use procurement/ERP systems effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Strong customer service orientation when working with internal departments and external vendors.

Nice To Haves

• CPPB, CPPO, or NIGP‑CPP certification preferred or willingness to obtain within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Develop solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, RFIs, ITBs) in collaboration with assigned departments, including assisting with specifications, scopes of work, and evaluation criteria.
• Evaluate bids and proposals with departments for responsiveness, responsibility, pricing, and compliance with requirements.
• Support the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services, including negotiating prices, terms, conditions, and delivery schedules to obtain best value.
• Create and issue purchase orders and contracts, ensuring all required approvals, and support ongoing contract administration including renewals, change orders, and vendor performance monitoring.
• Assist in qualifying vendors and maintaining accurate, up‑to‑date vendor information in procurement systems.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and assist with public records/FOIA responses as needed.
• Provide training and guidance to assigned departments on purchasing procedures, thresholds, and best practices.
• Support invoice and accounts payable (AP) processes, audits, compliance reviews, and the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Purchasing Manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level